Long Island unemployment rate climbs to 5.2%, remains lower than the statewide average

The unemployment rate on Long Island climbed to 5.2% in July, up from 5% in June.

Hospitality businesses are still having trouble finding help.

Anthony Laurino, of Phil's Pizza, says sometimes on a busy night he only has one waiter. Laurino says sometimes when people want to sit outside, he has to tell them no because he doesn't have enough staff to bounce back and forth.

"The general rule of thumb is if you're good or you could be good potential-wise, you're probably going to find a job eventually," says Aaron Zweback, of the employment agency Pridestaff. "The people that are not looking for work and I'm not saying they're not skilled, but there's clearly a lot of jobs available so if you want to find a job, you'll find something."

Experts say the rise in unemployment was caused by more people now actively looking for work.

"The workforce is increasing and those unemployed are increasing and that's why the rates go up," says economic analyst Marty Cantor. "I expect the rate to go up further as more people join the workforce when the unemployment benefits expire."

Zweback says right now there is a shortage of job candidates.

Long Island's unemployment rate remains below the statewide average of 7.5%.